Transportation Advocates Speak Out: “House Republicans Want To Move Oregon Backward”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025
Transportation Advocates Speak Out: “House Republicans Want To Move Oregon Backward”
SALEM, Ore. -- Transportation advocates with Move Oregon Forward denounced the Republican transportation framework released this week, which would cut $730 million in current funding for public transit, pedestrian and bike safety, passenger rail, and equity programs.
“In a time when inflation and tariffs are hitting working people hard, Republicans are proposing transit cuts that would make it harder for low-income Oregonians to get to work, school, or the doctor,” said Joel Iboa, Executive Director of Oregon Just Transition Alliance. “We shouldn’t be cutting deals with DOGE-wannabes who are pushing outdated, harmful ideas. A fair, well-funded transportation system saves lives, cuts pollution, and connects people to what they need.”
“It’s this simple: If you defund the programs that keep our kids and our grandparents safe crossing the street, more of them will die,” said Sarah Iannarone, Executive Director of The Street Trust. “Investing in safe streets and trails is not optional. It is how we prevent injuries and deaths while meeting our climate goals. We must invest in walking, biking, rolling, and transit for all Oregonians, and give them freedom to get around.”
“If we follow this proposal to slash popular programs that keep our air clean, public health will suffer. Oregon can’t claim to lead on climate while gutting the very programs that make our communities livable. We need to choose cleaner air and reduced pollution, not the Republicans’ climate rollbacks,” said Lindsey Scholten, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.
Move Oregon Forward’s transportation priorities and partners are summarized at MoveOregonForward.org. Dozens of organizations and hundreds of people connected with the coalition spoke out for safety, access, and climate protection in our transportation investments during the 2024 Joint Committee on Transportation Listening Tour.
Media contact:
Ally Harris
ally@ojta.org
(503) 208-4180
###
